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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection takes delivery of Luminara

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 June 2025 04 June 2025

Luminara, the third ultra-luxury superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has officially joined the fleet. Company officials took delivery of the new yacht at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint- Nazaire, France, on June 3, 2025, marking a major milestone in a multi-year collaboration between the brand and one of the world’s most respected shipbuilders. The moment was commemorated with a traditional handover ceremony featuring the changing of flags and a celebratory toast on the yacht’s open-air deck.

The delivery ceremony was attended by leaders from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, including Ernesto Fara, President, along with Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Also present to mark the occasion was Captain Magnus Bengtsson, who will guide Luminara through its inaugural season in the Mediterranean beginning July 3, 2025, when the yacht sets sail on a seven-day voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome.

“The arrival of Luminara marks a significant moment for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as we continue to shape the future of ultra-luxury travel at sea,” said Ernesto Fara, President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “With striking architecture and thoughtfully designed interiors, Luminara represents the passion and shared commitment to excellence that define both our brand and our close working relationship with Chantiers de l’Atlantique.”

“Just one year after Ilma – a multi-awarded yacht acclaimed by both the hospitality and cruise industries – we are proud to deliver Luminara, the culmination of our ongoing pursuit of excellence,” added Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “We thank The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for their trust and extend our appreciation to everyone whose dedication, precision, and expertise made the construction of this vessel possible.”

Luminara, named after the Latin word for “light,” spans 794 feet (242 meters) and accommodates up to 452 guests across 226 suites, each with a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a seamless connection to the sea. Designed in collaboration with leading design firms, the yacht showcases public spaces envisioned by Toronto-based Chapi Chapo Luxury Division, suites appointed by London-based design firm AD Associates, and lighting crafted by DPA. Sculptural lighting and curved architectural lines evoke the movement of water, creating harmony between the yacht’s refined interiors and the sea beyond. The refined exterior was shaped by Helsinki-based studio Aivan, reflecting the elegance and fluidity of private yacht design.

Luminara offers five restaurants, seven bars, a wine vault, and collaborations with award-winning chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina, who bring their culinary perspectives to life at sea. Other standout amenities include a panoramic pool area on Deck 10 with two jacuzzis; The Art Bar, a new onboard destination for café service and destination-inspired treats set against sweeping ocean views; and the brand’s signature Marina, complete with a spacious terrace and dynamic floating platform where guests can swim, unwind, and enjoy watersports at select ports.

Further enhancing the guest experience, The Ritz-Carlton Spa provides restorative treatments incorporating products from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi, alongside dedicated fitness spaces for rejuvenating wellness. Luminara also introduces a refined luxury retail experience, debuting Swiss timepieces from Cartier and IWC Schaffhausen, along with fine jewelry and watch collections from Piaget.

Following its inaugural season, Luminara will continue The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s expansion into new regions, sailing through Africa and the Indian Ocean before beginning Asia-Pacific itineraries in December 2025. These voyages will explore captivating destinations and hidden gems, including Hạ Long Bay, Osaka, and Bangkok. In May 2026, Luminara will journey to Alaska and Canada.

Fincantieri cuts steel for Oceania Sonata

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 June 2025 04 June 2025

Oceania Cruises marked a defining milestone today with the ceremonial steel cutting of Oceania Sonata, the first ship in the brand’s revolutionary new Sonata Class. The celebration, held at the Fincantieri-Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy, signals the next stage in the evolution of the Oceania Cruises brand of exceptional small-ship luxury experiences.

"Debuting in 2027, Oceania Sonata will be followed by her sister ship, Oceania Arietta. These groundbreaking new vessels will be the most spacious and amenity-rich in the fleet, furthering Oceania Cruises’ legacy of culinary excellence, destination-rich experiences, and refined luxury at sea," the company said in a statement.

“Oceania Sonata heralds the dawn of a new era in luxury cruising,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury officer of Oceania Cruises. “We are proud to continue our legacy of innovation alongside Fincantieri, our shipbuilding partner for close to 20 years. Together, we have crafted ships that stand as some of the most acclaimed examples of luxury, elegance, comfort, and Italian craftsmanship at sea.”

Marking the ninth ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet, Oceania Sonata will embark on her maiden voyage in summer 2027. She is a masterpiece of design, created to deliver a symphony of unforgettable experiences.

This milestone also reflects Oceania Cruises’ enduring partnership with Fincantieri, the renowned Italian shipbuilder behind the celebrated Oceania Marina, Oceania Riviera, Oceania Vista, and Oceania Allura, which debuts in July 2025.

Pearl Seas Cruises opens 2025 Great Lakes season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 June 2025 03 June 2025

Pearl Seas Cruises has announced its biggest season ever on The Great Lakes, operating four different itineraries that visit 16 ports of call, and introducing a brand new 14-Night Great Lakes Explorer cruise between Duluth, Minnesota, and Toronto, Canada – delivering the opportunity to sail all five Great Lakes in a single journey.

Opening May 24th, Pearl’s 2025 Great Lakes season operates through late September offering, an 11-Night Great Lakes & Georgian Bay itinerary and a 7-Night Great Lakes itinerary, both sailing between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Toronto, Canada; the new 14-Night Great Lakes Explorer cruise between Duluth, WI, and Toronto, Canada; and a 15-Night St. Lawrence Seaway & Great Lakes cruise between Milwaukee, WI, and Québec, Canada. Each of Pearl’s unique itineraries explores bucket-list American and Canadian destinations from Mackinac Island and Niagara Falls to Thunder Bay and Parry Sound.

Cruising the region since 2014, Pearl Seas has perfected small ship exploration on The Great Lakes aboard their 210-passenger ship, Pearl Mist, featuring 100% private balcony accommodations and elegant new interior design.

Great Lakes itineraries in 2025, visit 16 ports of call, from Milwaukee to Montréal, while exploring the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem and cruising all five lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, as well as Georgian Bay, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve. Each day, guests will enjoy shoreside excursions and onboard enrichment, illuminating the region’s unique cultural tapestry woven together by the early explorers, traders, European settlers, and Native American tribes who have lived there for centuries.

Pearl’s 2025 cruises offer diverse experiences including memorable visits to Niagara Falls with boat tours of Horseshoe Falls; scenic explorations of Muskegon, MI, known as the “Riviera of the Midwest;” and leisurely strolls through quaint Holland, MI, home to the only authentic working Dutch Windmill in America. In Detroit, MI, guests can learn about the history of the automobile at The Henry Ford Museum and enjoy a tuneful visit to The Motown Museum. Musical fun continues in Cleveland, OH, where guests can visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On Mackinac Island, MI, guests can step back in time, exploring the island by horse drawn carriage and enjoying lunch on the veranda of The Grand Hotel. In Parry Sound, ON, guests can experience a Birdseye view of the South Channel and Killbear Provincial Park on an exhilarating Seaplane ride, and discover the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, cruising the 30,000 Islands. In Georgian Bay, ON, guests can kayak on serene waters while spotting local wildlife; and in Montréal, the second largest French-speaking city in the world, guests can sightsee in a UNESCO “City of Design,” taking in its renowned milieu of exciting modern and beautiful old-world architecture.

Summer Great Lakes cruises aboard the Pearl Mist feature all-inclusive fine dining, complimentary cocktails, beer & wine, award-winning enrichment programs, onboard entertainment, and guided shore excursions at every port. Cruises also include new Starlink Wi-Fi and private transportation to all excursions. Pearl Seas offers Pre-Cruise Hotel Packages for cruises departing from Milwaukee, WI; Duluth, MN; and Toronto, ON.

Cunard reveals 195 new voyages, visiting 115 destinations around the globe

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 June 2025 02 June 2025

Cunard has unveiled its latest program of voyages with 195 new itineraries across its four-ship fleet, visiting 115 destinations in 32 countries between April 2027 and January 2028.

The new itineraries include 93 UNESCO World Heritage sites. With 18 overnight port calls and 33 late-evening departures, the new program offers guests even more opportunities to explore the world.

Among the highlights are four maiden calls for Queen Anne, including Sorrento in Italy and La Rochelle in France, as well as a maiden call for Cunard when Queen Mary 2 sails to Charlottetown in Canada. Queen Victoria will also enjoy a first visit to Riga, Latvia, with Queen Elizabeth enjoying maiden calls to Trieste in Italy and Calvi in France.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “This new program is all about giving our guests more choice and more unforgettable voyages. Whether it’s Queen Anne visiting new destinations, Queen Elizabeth returning to favorite ports in the Med, or Queen Mary 2 sailing iconic routes with her usual style, there’s something to suit every kind of traveler. From exploring remarkable places to enjoying exceptional experiences on board, we’re proud to offer voyages that feel truly special from start to finish.”

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth makes a return to Europe in 2027, with Mediterranean voyages from May until October, visiting 22 ports she hasn’t visited for 15 years.

The 65 new voyages boast itineraries varying from 7 to 28 nights, taking in visits to many enchanting ancient cities on the continent, from the stunning foodie scene of Palermo in Sicily to the cultural richness of Istanbul.

Queen Mary 2

Fresh from a major refit in early 2027, Queen Mary 2 will continue to offer iconic Transatlantic Crossings, as well as immersive itineraries to Norway, Canada, New England, North Cape, and the Caribbean – where guests can spend Christmas and New Year on picturesque golden beaches. She will also spend Independence Day on July 4, 2027, in Boston.

Queen Anne

As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, Queen Anne will offer a rich variety of exciting round-trip voyages from Southampton, from sun-drenched Mediterranean getaways to Nordic adventures in search of the Northern Lights.

Highlights include extended time in Barcelona and Copenhagen, as well as a late-evening New Year’s Eve call in Maderia to witness the famous fireworks.

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria will return to the UK to operate round-trip Southampton voyages, including discovery itineraries such as Scandinavia, Iceland, and the Mediterranean. Queen Victoria will also visit Grundarfjordur, Iceland, in 2027 – the first time a Cunard ship has called since 2009.

There is no shortage of extraordinary moments to be made on these 25 Queen Victoria voyages, whether you dream of soaking up the sun in the Mediterranean or an adventure-filled trip with stunning landscapes waiting to be explored.

Bookings open for Cunard World Club members from 6 am PDT on June 11, 2025, and for the general public from 6 am PDT on June 12, 2025.

Concordia Damen delivers river cruise vessel Excellence Crown to Swiss shipping company Twerenbold Reisen

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 June 2025 01 June 2025

Concordia Damen has delivered a cruise vessel, a CDS River Cruise 135 type. The Excellence Crown has been handed over to Swiss shipping company Twerenbold Reisen Group. The 135-metre-long ship features hybrid propulsion and was designed and built by the shipyard in Werkendam, the Netherlands. It meets the highest standards in sustainability, luxury, and energy efficiency.

The Excellence Crown was officially christened on 2 May in its home port of Basel during a gala ceremony attended by 650 guests. It is the tenth ship in the fleet of Swiss Excellence River Cruise, part of Twerenbold, and the first to feature hybrid propulsion. Its delivery marks a major milestone for both Twerenbold and Concordia Damen.

Innovative design for sustainable cruising

The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system with smart peak shaving – a system that stores surplus energy in batteries for later use, including fully electric mooring in ports. Solar panels integrated into the railing support the charging system, as does shore power. In addition, two heat recovery systems have been installed: one using engine cooling water for central heating, and one connected to the HVAC system.

“With this vessel, we are setting a new standard in sustainable river cruising,” says project manager Johan Muilenburg of Concordia Damen. “Excellence Crown is built according to the Green Award Gold standard, incorporating high insulation values, laser-controlled ventilation, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. Personally, I think the integrated solar solution in the railing is one of the most beautiful innovations.”

Luxury on board – also for the crew

The vessel features 73 passenger cabins and 12 suites, all with panoramic windows and soundproofing for extra comfort. In addition to an atrium, spa, restaurants, and lounges, special attention has been paid to crew wellbeing. A separate aft deck with mess room and private quarters provides comfort during longer voyages.

The interior was designed by Nazly Twerenbold, who masterfully translated the Swiss ‘boutique grand hotel’ feel into a maritime setting with great attention to detail.

New boost for the river cruise market

The delivery underscores Concordia Damen’s growing momentum in the river cruise segment. To meet rising demand, the yard recently began building hulls on stock and invested in a dedicated quay with space for three 135-metre vessels side by side. The facilities are also being used for refits and sustainability upgrades.

According to the shipping company, the Excellence Crown fits perfectly with its strategy to further develop sustainable tourism. Stephan Frei, CEO of Twerenbold Reisen: “We want to inspire our guests with examples of how nature conservation and innovation can go hand in hand – from the Biesbosch to the green rooftops of Rotterdam.”

A ship is built together

Chris Kornet, Managing Director of Concordia Damen, is proud: “After the success of the A-Rosa Sena, we took a close look at this market and how we can – and importantly, want to – build river cruise vessels. That’s what we set out to do. One of our decisions was to approach every project in this segment as sustainably as possible. Combined with our choice to build on stock and invest in an extra quay, this led, among other things, to this contract. We are very grateful to the Twerenbold family!”

“Furthermore,” Chris adds, “I think it’s important to say that a ship is never built by the yard alone. We always do this with high-quality partners. I want to thank them as well for their unwavering commitment to bringing this ship into operation.”
For the Excellence Crown, the family business partnered with, amongst others: CCM3, Hoogendoorn 1961, Technisch Installatiebureau Oechies bv, Breman Shipping Installation, Sun Roestvaststaal B.V., Metaglas Group, PureBlue Water, Tischlerei und Alubau Wessels GmbH, De Ruyter Dieseltechniek BV, and Lloyd’s Register.